ONE hundred years ago today, war was declared on Germany. There were those in York in 1914 who spoke out against it - among them the Liberal councillor J B Morrell, and York’s Liberal MP Arnold Rowntree.

But generally speaking the news we were at war was greeted in York with celebrations - plus a feeling that it would all be over in time for Christmas.

It wasn’t, of course. The Great War, as it was known, dragged on for four dreadful years. By the time it was over, millions had died - among them up to 2,000 young men and two young women from York killed in the service of King and country. Many who fought in the conflict were so scarred by what they had gone through, they were never afterwards able to talk about it.

The war brought huge social change, too. Women and working men found a new place in society; old certainties, and old hierarchies, were broken down. But that change had come at a dreadful cost.

Today, people will mark the 100th anniversary of the start of the war in their own way.

Many will recall grandparents or great-grandparents who fought. Others will simply reflect on the waste, on the appalling loss of life.

Some will observe the “lights out” between 10pm to 11pm tonight. Others will attend the commemoration event taking place this afternoon at York Cemetery, visit the Castle Museum’s stunning 1914 exhibition - open late until 8pm - or take part in the candlelit vigil at York Minster from 9pm this evening.

However you mark the anniversary, however, today is a time to remember those who suffered and who gave their lives - and to determine that such a thing should never be allowed to happen again.